51297-1917-Port-Regulations-for-the-Philippine-Islands — Page 1

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THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, JULY 20, 1917.

No. 329. The following orders issued by the Government of the Philippine Islands regulating the entrance of vessels into Ports of the Philippine Islands and their departure therefrom are published for general information.

"The South Channel leading from seaward into Manila Bay is hereby closed to traffic and will be immediately protected by the planting of mines. This channel extends from Caballo Island on the north to Restinga Point on the South.

The North Chaunel between Corregidor Island and the shore of Bataan Province is closed to traffic inward from sunset to sunrise, except to such vessels engaged in coast- wise traffic as may be granted a safe conduct by the Patrol Boat, whose headquarters will be maintained in Mariveles Bay.

When weather conditions permit, the Patrol Boat will meet incoming vessels between sunset and sunrise on or near the line extending from Monja Island to Guardia Shoal. If permission to enter is given, the Patrol Boat will either lead the incoming vessel through the mine field and past the batteries of Corregidor Island, or will give such directions as shall insure safe passage into the Bay.

Vessels other than those engaged in coastwise traffic will not be permitted to enter the harbor during the hours above specified.

Vessels will not be permitted to leave the harbor between sunset and sunrise, except in special cases for which a permit may be granted by the Collector of Customs. In such cases the Patrol Boat at Mariveles will be notified and will meet the outgoing vessel east of the tangent from Lamae Point to Caballo Light, and lead the way through the mine field.

Obedience to the above rules will be enforced by vessels of the United States Navy, including destroyers and submarines, based in Mariveles Bay, and by the batteries of Corregidor Island.

Any vessel engaged in coastwise traffic, approaching the harbor from seaward and failing to find the Patrol Boat on station, will enter Mariveles Harbor and report to the Commander of the Patrol.

Failure to comply with any of the above regulations may result in the destruction of the offending vessel."

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"All vessels are prohibited from passing in or out of the North Channel, Cebu Harbor, between the hours of sunset and sunrise. The zone from which vessels are excluded during the above-mentioned hours extends from the green light, Opon dock, to San Pedro light, Cebu."

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'In view of the existing state of war between the United States and Germany, immediate steps will be taken for the defence of Subig Bay by mines and guns, and any unauthorized vessel attempting to enter that port does so at her peril."

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"For the purpose of enforcing the Rules already established governing entrance to, and exit from, Manila Bay (North Channel) during the Typhoon Season, a Navy Signal Station has been established on the highest elevation of Cochinos Point at the western entrance to Mariveles Harbour, as an adjunct to the Patrol Vessel, which will ordinarily occupy a position in Mariveles Harbour instead of outside.

Approaching vessels should look to this Station for signals granting, or refusing, permission to enter.

Approaching vessels will display their signal numbers where they can be seen from the signal station, using clean flags of sufficient size to be easily made out.

The Signal Station will be provided with International Signals, but routine signals will be made by shapes that is to say, by Balls, Cubes (showing as Squares), and Cones.